Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a small, medium or large program?

We are a medium to large-sized program with 72 categorical pediatric residents, 24 internal medicine/pediatric residents, four pediatric/child neurology residents, and one preliminary pediatric resident.

What careers do your residents choose after training?

It varies from year to year. Each year about half of our graduating residents pursue subspecialty fellowships. Our residents are known for being well trained, and we have placed many residents into the fellowships of their choice. The rest of our residents entered general pediatrics, including general academic pediatrics, primary care, the growing field of urgent care, and hospitalist medicine. (Please see our resident life page for more detailed information)

Do residents stay at Children's Mercy for Fellowship?

Yes, many residents choose to continue their training as fellows at Children's Mercy. Currently we offer subspecialty fellowships in the following fields.

What research opportunities exist?

Although we do not require a research project to graduate from our program, many of our residents participate in research during their residency. Please see our research page for ongoing projects.

Can I see an example contract?

Are there yearly resident retreats?

Yes - we have yearly retreats for each class. The first- and second-year retreats combine advocacy, education and fun. The third year retreat is a great social escape for the senior residents.

Are you a free standing children's hospital?

Yes - Children's Mercy Hospital is a 367-bed free standing children's hospital with every pediatric subspecialty represented. We are a Level 1 trauma center and a Level IV neonatal ICU with ECMO capability. We have a 41-bed pediatric ICU with an active congenital heart disease and heart transplant program. We are also one of the highest recipients of philanthropic support in Kansas City. We opened a new inpatient tower in the fall of 2012 that expanded our PICU, NICU, Hem/Onc, and Med/Surg Unit by 73 beds. The new tower includes a fetal health center, a new cancer center, two specially equipped rooms to provide care for ECMO patients, and the Lisa Barth Interfaith Chapel and Garden.

How many pediatric faculty members do you have?

There are about 500 faculty members in the Department of Pediatrics. The faculty are enthusiastic, dedicated to resident education, and represent every pediatric subspecialty.

What are your Board Passage rates?

Our three year board passage rate is >94%.

Why would I want to move to Kansas City?

Kansas City is a friendly, accessible, and affordable place to live. The metro area has grown to more than 2 million people. The downtown area is invigorated with the Power and Light District, the River Market area, and the adjacent Crossroads Arts District, and is home to unique restaurants, galleries, and a variety of residential options. The Plaza offers upscale outdoor dining and shopping and the famous Plaza Lights during the holiday season. Kansas City is the home to a thriving arts scene with a stunning Performing Arts Center, several outstanding art museums and theaters. Sports fans can enjoy the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and Sporting KC in beautiful world-class venues.

Are there opportunities for my spouse/significant other?

The headquarters for many large national corporations are all located in Kansas city, including: Hallmark, H&R Block, American Century, The Stowers Institute, Sprint, Cerner, AMC Theatres, DST Systems, Garmin International, Great Plains Energy, Russell Stover, Applebee's, and several other large companies.

What opportunities are there in Kansas City for the couples match?

The Kansas City Metro area includes numerous residency training programs in both Missouri and Kansas.